title: Hepatitis B and C infection: is it a problem in Polish healthcare workers?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Hepatitis B (HBV) and C viruses (HCV) are among the most frequent blood borne pathogens. According to WHO, 5% of healthcare workers (in central Europe), are exposed to at least one sharps injury contaminated with HBV per year, 1,7% - contaminated with HCV.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aims of the study were to determine prevalence of HCV and HBV infections, vaccination efficacy against hepatitis B and usefulness of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing in prophylactic examinations in healthcare workers (HCWs).
  
  
  METHODS
  In a group of 520 healthcare workers, a survey, laboratory and serologic tests such as ALT, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBcT and anti-HCV were carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study revealed a low rate of workers with presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV (1,2% and 0,8% respectively). Anti-HBcT was found in 99 subjects (19%) without a significant association with experiencing an occupational percutaneous injury. Being vaccinated against HBV was declared by 90% of the subjects. There was no relationship between ALT level rise and positive HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HBcT tests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers in HCWs found in the study is low and similar to the one found in general population. Current or past hepatitis B infections were independent of needle stick injuries. Vaccination against HBV coverage, although found to be high, should improve to 100%. Occupational prophylactic medical examinations found performing ALT test (obligatory in Poland for HCWs) not helpful. It seems that determination of anti-HBcT and anti-HCV status would be essential in pre-employment medical examinations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Diseases and Toxicology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland, mrybacki@imp.lodz.pl.
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rybacki
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Piekarska
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wiszniewska
authors.forename: Jolanta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Walusiak-Skorupa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D019981:Health Care Sector / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines; D000410:Alanine Transaminase